Fatal Va. police shooting justified: Prosecutor

A special prosecutor says Chesterfield County, Va., police were justified in fatally shooting a lawyer after he came out of his home and fired on officers following a standoff.

Media outlets report Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert said Monday that police had reason to believe the actions of Richard C. Ferris II would have harmed the responding officers.

Police say the 45-year-old Ferris was shot Jan. 28 after he confronted police twice and fired on them. Police say Ferris didn’t respond to attempts to make contact with him.

Ebert says Ferris’ wife had reported her husband had taken a high dosage of an anti-anxiety medication and had consumed at least six beers.